Dozens of cyclists have gathered in Liverpool City Centre to protest the incoming ban on all non-folding e-bikes on Merseyrail trains.
The ban, first announced in July and coming into effect in January, means only standard pedal cycles, folding e-bikes and approved mobility scooters and aids will be permitted on the operator’s fleet of trains, serving the city of Liverpool and the Wirral.
However, the proposal has been criticised by several campaigners and local politicians who have criticised the lack of consultation as well as the impact the ban would have on active travel in the region.
Cycling UK requested a meeting on the proposed ban in August, but were declined. Subsequently, Cycling UK organised a demonstration which took place last Thursday, where more than 200 people took part in a ride to Merseyrail’s Head Office, where they were addressed by local councillors and active travel campaigners.
Cycling UK’s director of external affairs Steve Brooks told the crowd, “Merseyrail have got it really, really wrong,” as reported by Liverpool’s Local Democracy Reporter.
“We know it’s going to have a massive negative impact on so many people across Merseyside, particularly older people, disabled people and people who are struggling to make ends meet. Merseyrail say they’ve got safety concerns, we’ve asked ‘show us your safety report, we’ll have a look at it and work with you to address those safety concerns.’”
Among the speaker’s was councillor Steve Foulkes, chair of Liverpool City Region’s Transport Committee. He echoed his comments in the council house that the ban was “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”, adding Merseyrail has “made this decision without any consultation or conversation and we don’t think that’s right.”
“This decision does seem completely against that local transport plan policy. I think we are singing from the same hymn sheet. My view is we should talk, [and] get round the table.”
Foulkes also suggested the local authority would look to challenge Merseyrail’s ban, and its powers to unilaterally install the policy, “in the coming months.”
In a statement a train company spokesperson said, “Merseyrail has always been a strong supporter of active and sustainable travel. We recognise the important role that cycling and e-bikes play in helping people access employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities across our region.
“Our overriding responsibility is to provide a safe environment for our staff and our passengers. Safety must always come first. The introduction of this ban follows careful consideration of the wider risks associated with lithium-ion battery-powered e-bikes on a busy rail network.
“Although incidents are rare, lithium-ion battery fires can develop quickly, are difficult to extinguish, and can produce intense heat, dense smoke and toxic gases.”
Merseyrail said it would reach out to representatives of the cycling community to continue conversations, answer questions and discuss the factors that led to this decision, though there was no indication the operator was open to reconsidering the ban.
5 thoughts on ““A sledgehammer to crack a nut”: Campaigners protest Merseyrail’s blanket e-bike ban as train company insists “safety must always come first””
Exactly what is the feature of folding e-bikes that makes them safer than normal e-bikes?
@Backladder And I don’t want to give them ideas, but are the batteries on mobility scooters and electric wheelchair any safer? Not to mention phones, laptops, and possibly the occasional golf trolley.
@Backladder Have you ever heard of a folding bike bursting into flames?
No? I rest my case.
@eburtthebike You’re just not folding and unfolding them vigorously enough.
” The operator added they were open to further consultation discussing what led to the decision, but did not suggest they would be lifting their ban”
Consultation only happens when the outcome has not been decided: this has been decided, it is not consultation. Basically, it’s appalling British management refusing to discuss the unjustifiable decision they’ve made because they’re too proud/arrogant. In my experience, much of British management is defined by their pride and arrogance.
“The network has since been expanded through the creation of new stations, the electrification of existing lines, and the use of trains capable of running on battery power.” (Wikipedia)
What kind of batteries? We should be told.
Edit: found it:
“…the six one-tonne Lithium Titanate Oxide batteries….” Railmagazine.
But
“Lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries have a much lower fire and thermal runaway risk than standard lithium-ion batteries, but they can still vent, catch fire, or release toxic gases under extreme abuse or high states of charge.”
So if the non-folding bikes used lithium titanate oxide batteries, they’d be fine.